City of Marengo Packet Summary — 2026-01-28
City Council Meeting — January 28, 2026, at 6:00 p.m.
The City Council is scheduled to consider budget, labor, infrastructure, parking, solid-waste, staffing, and board-appointment matters, along with two potential closed sessions. The agenda also includes resident comments and updates from community development, Public Works, the Marengo Public Library, city officials, and council committees.
Key Items on the Agenda
FY27 Budget and Timeline
Under old business, the Council is scheduled to continue discussion of the FY27 budget and timeline. The packet identifies the topic as a discussion item but does not provide additional budget figures, assumptions, or a proposed action.
New Collective Bargaining Agreement
Resolution #26-47 would adopt a new collective bargaining agreement between the City of Marengo and Chauffeurs, Teamsters and Helpers Local Union 238. The packet does not state the agreement's financial terms, duration, wage provisions, or other contract details.
Board of Adjustment Appointments
Resolution #26-57 concerns appointments to the Board of Adjustment. Separately, the consent agenda includes acceptance of Mike McBride's resignation from the Board of Adjustments. The packet does not identify the proposed appointees.
2026 Aquatic Center Manager
Resolution #26-58 would approve hiring a 2026 Aquatic Center Manager. The agenda does not provide the candidate's name, compensation, or other employment terms.
Infrastructure and Public Works
Lucas Street Improvements
Resolution #26-59 would authorize an engineering services agreement with Veenstra & Kimm, Inc. for the 2026 Lucas Street Improvements. The Council is also scheduled to consider approval to issue a request for proposals for the Lucas Street work once plans are finished.
Franklyn Avenue Water Main Improvements
Resolution #26-60 would authorize a separate engineering services agreement with Veenstra & Kimm, Inc. for the 2026 Franklyn Avenue Water Main Improvements. The agenda also calls for consideration of issuing a request for proposals for the Franklyn water-main work once plans are complete.
Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements
Resolution #26-61 concerns approval of Pay Application #5 for Contract #1 — Wastewater Treatment Facility Improvements. The agenda does not state the amount of the pay application.
2026 Insect Spraying Services
Resolution #26-62 proposes an amendment to the 28E Cooperative Agreement between the City of Marengo and City of Belle Plaine, Iowa, for insect spraying services in 2026. No financial terms or other details of the amendment are included in the agenda text.
Public Hearings and Ordinances
Limited Parking — Ordinance #548
The Council is scheduled to hold a public hearing and third reading of Ordinance #548, an amendment to Chapter 69 — Parking Regulations, Section 69.11 Limited Parking. Because this is identified as a third reading, the item has advanced through earlier stages, but the packet does not provide the proposed ordinance language or describe the specific parking changes.
No-Parking Zones — Ordinance #549
A separate public hearing and first reading of Ordinance #549 is scheduled. The proposal would amend Chapter 69 — Parking Regulations, Section 69.08 No Parking Zones; the agenda does not identify which locations or restrictions would change.
Landfill Fees — Ordinance #550
The Council is also scheduled to hold a public hearing and first reading of Ordinance #550, which would amend Chapter 106 — Collection of Solid Waste, Section 106.07 Landfill Fees. The packet does not specify the proposed fee changes or their financial impact.
Major Financial Items
The consent agenda includes December 2025 revenues totaling $315,708.36, along with major operating department finance reports, the December 2025 finance expenditures and revenue report, and an IPAIT report. These materials are presented as consent-agenda items.
Separately, the Council is scheduled to consider monthly claims, checks, and direct withdrawals totaling $232,417.23. This appears on the agenda as approval of monthly bills rather than as part of the listed consent agenda.
Consent Agenda
The consent agenda includes:
- Approval of minutes from the January 7, 2026 City Council Meeting.
- Approval of minutes from the January 14, 2026 Special City Council Meeting.
- Acceptance of Mike McBride's resignation from the Board of Adjustments.
- Approval of an alcohol license for Dolgencorp, LLC (Dollar General).
- December 2025 revenues totaling $315,708.36.
- December 2025 major operating departments finance reports.
- December 2025 finance expenditures and revenue report.
- An IPAIT report.
Reports and Community Updates
The agenda includes an Iowa County Community Development update from Director Laura Sauser. Later reporting items include updates from Public Works Director Lonnie Altenhofen and Marengo Public Library Director Jackie Jordan, along with attorney, city administrator, zoning and building, mayor, council, and committee reports.
The committee-report portion specifically identifies a Streets Committee Meeting and Cemetery Board Meeting. The packet does not provide further details about the subjects or recommendations arising from those meetings.
Potential Closed Sessions
Litigation Strategy
Under continued old business, the Council is scheduled to consider a motion to enter closed session under Iowa Code 21.5(1)(c) to discuss strategy with counsel concerning present or imminent litigation when disclosure would likely prejudice or disadvantage the City's position. The agenda provides for a motion to return to open session followed by a potential motion and proposal concerning actions arising from the closed session.
Police Chief Contract and Job Evaluation
Under continued new business, the Council is scheduled to consider another closed session, this one under Iowa Code 21.5(1)(i) concerning evaluation of an individual's professional competency when the statutory conditions described in the agenda apply. After returning to open session, the agenda provides for a potential motion and proposal concerning the Police Chief's contract and job evaluation.
What to Watch at the Meeting
- Whether the Council advances the three parking and solid-waste ordinance items, including Ordinance #548 at its third reading and Ordinances #549 and #550 at their first readings.
- What details emerge from the FY27 budget and timeline discussion.
- Whether Resolution #26-47 advances the proposed collective bargaining agreement.
- Whether the Council approves engineering agreements and subsequent RFP steps for the Lucas Street and Franklyn Avenue Water Main projects.
- What actions, if any, are proposed in open session following the two potential closed sessions, particularly regarding the Police Chief's contract and job evaluation.
